EFT For Eating Disorders

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, compulsive eating and other clinical illnesses are becoming more prevalent in the U.S., especially among college-aged young adults. The death rate for anorexia is 12 times higher than the other causes of death for young women 15-24 years old. Eating disorders are often difficult to successfully treat. Now an energy psychology approach called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) promises relief from eating disorders.

EFT is an unconventional healing technique based on the theory that our bodies are composed of energy. When unresolved emotional trauma is present, the subtle energies that flow through the body become disrupted or blocked, giving rise to physical, mental or emotional ailments. EFT is a type of acupressure where energy meridian points on the body are stimulated by tapping on them with the fingertips. This helps balance the energy system, clearing it of blocks or disruptions and alleviating it from disease. The basics of EFT can be self-applied, although a trained EFT practitioner may be needed for more complex problems.

According to the American Psychological Association, negative emotions or traumas such as rape, abuse or the death of a loved one can trigger eating disorders. EFT claims that it can clear the unresolved negative emotions that are disrupting the body's energy system and causing the eating disorder. When the emotional issues are energetically resolved, the eating disorder also resolves.

In a recent study, researchers at Penn State University conducted surveys of 424 college students. The surveys measured the associations between perfectionism, perceptions of personal control and eating disorders. The researchers found that 17 percent of the participants suffered from eating disorders. Findings also revealed that fathers are more likely than mothers to create pressures that can lead to eating disorders.

"Our analysis also suggested that perceived loss of personal control might lead to negative eating patterns," write the study authors. "If an individual feels out of control of his or her life, focusing on food intake may be one of the few arenas where he or she can assert personal control. The more young people felt in control of their lives, particularly when positively reinforced by fathers, the less likely they were to engage in maladaptive eating behaviors."

EFT may be an effective complement to conventional therapy. EFT does not promise 100 percent results but claims it has helped most people when done properly.

REFERENCES:
1. What is EFT?, Emofree.com:
http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm
2. Wheeler C. "Innovative Hope for Eating Disorders.", Mercola.com:
http://www.mercola.com/display/PrintPage.aspx?docid=31976&PrintPage=yes
3. Fong V. "Perfectionist fathers can reinforce tendencies." EurekaAlert!, May 1, 2006: http://www.eurekalera.org/pub_releases/2006-05/ps-pfc050106.php